Theory of critical transitions -- Alternative stable states -- Cycles and chaos -- Emergent patterns in complex systems -- Implications of fluctuations, heterogeneity, and diversity -- Conclusion: from theoretical concepts to reality -- Case studies -- Lakes -- Climate -- Evolution -- Oceans -- Terrestrial ecosystems -- Humans -- Conclusion: critical transitions in a complex world -- Dealing with critical transitions -- How to know if alternative basins of attraction exist -- How to know is a threshold is near -- The winding road from science to policy -- New approaches to managing change -- Prospects.
